Cop injured during anti-rape protest dies

Delhi
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A Delhi Police constable, Subhash Chand Tomar, who was assaulted by a group of men during the protests against the brutal gang-rape of a 23-year-old girl, succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday.

He was posted in Karawal Nagar area and was called for maintaining law and order at India Gate area during the protests on Sunday.

Tomar, who joined the police in 1987, was found lying injured on Tilak Marg and was rushed to the hospital.

Tomar was a graduate in arts and was hailed from Meerut. He has left behind a wife and three young children.

As a mark of respect, the Delhi Police decided that all personnel will donate one day's salary to Tomar's family.

The police had initially booked eight persons – based on video footage of the assault on Tomar - for rioting and attempt to murder. However, all of them were granted bail yesterday.

Mass protests on Sunday against the gang-rape had left scores injured and turned the India Gate area into a virtual war zone.

Police and paramilitary personnel had liberally used batons and tear gas to chase away thousands after the emotionally charged protests during the day descended into chaos by evening. However, the protest soon turned violent leaving over 140 people, including policemen, injured.

Meanwhile, some metro stations in central Delhi remained shut for the second day today.